Arunachal Pradesh's politically influential Gamlins seem to be going through a down time just a month ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. Both the Congress and the BJP have not given tickets to Jarpum and Jarjum Gamlin, siblings of former Chief Minister Jarbom Gamlin.
Jarpum Gamlin, once a firebrand general secretary of the state BJP is not in the fray and his sister, Jarjum Ete, a social activist and All India Mahila Congress leader has also been shown a cold shoulder by the party. Her name is not in the Congress list this time.
The move, by both the Congress and the BJP, has taken many by surprise. Sources in BJP say the decision was taken "at the highest level" to axe Jarpum Gamlin's candidature. A disappointed Jarpum has quit the party.
"I am in a precarious position, torn between the party and my supporters. After much consideration, I have decided that I can't let my supporters down," Jarpum Gamlin said in his resignation letter.
An executive-turned-media entrepreneur-turned politician, Jarpum Gamlin was dropped despite being a key party functionary and a close confidante of state BJP chief Tapir Gao.
Jarjum Ete, earlier seen as a Congress front runner against Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, from Arunachal West Lok Sabha seat, has also resigned after the ticket was given to former chief minister Nabam Tuki. She has switched sides and is now contesting on a JD(S) ticket.
The other Gamlin brother Jarkar, who is a minister in the Arunachal Pradesh government, has also been denied ticket by the BJP.
The reason why the Gamlin siblings have been dropped like a hot potatoes is most intriguing. Speaking to NDTV, several top sources, in both the Congress and the BJP, have confirmed that while Congress thought it would not be wise to give ticket to Jarjum Ete since her brothers are in the BJP, Jarpum was denied a ticket since his sister was with the Congress.
Twelve BJP lawmakers, including two cabinet ministers, have been denied tickets for the Assembly elections. Arunachal Pradesh is simultaneously holding the state and parliamentary polls.
"Congress Conspiring To Send Me To Jail In 12-Year Old Case": HD Kumaraswamy Congress Manifesto For Haryana Polls Has MSP, Caste Census Among Key Promises Petition Filed For CBI Probe Against Siddaramaiah In Land Scam Case "Nowhere In Iran...": Netanyahu Issues Big Warning To "Ayatollah's Regime" Woman Cop, Disguised As Tourist, Takes Late Night Stroll. Then This Happens Delhi Cop Dies On Duty After Car Drags His Bike On Road For 10 Metres IIT Delhi Launches Research Communications Award For PhD Scholars "Can feel the power of this place": US Ambassador Visits Jagannath Temple US Couple Accused Of Trying To Sell Their Baby For $1,000 And Beer Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.